Personal profile
Biography
With a background in Outdoor Adventure Education and a passion for both formal and informal teaching approaches, I am following a career as a Senior Lecturer and Subject Area Leader for Education and Childhood Studies. My previous role was in Further Education (FE) where I completed my Master's degree in Outdoor Education, continuing my research interests with publication on a journey to complete a PhD. I value my professional development highly and strive to innovate my practice, sharing with others, especially with digital approaches to education. My research interests focus on practical intervention and education from a relational perspective, currently encompassing technology and learning (digital tools, online delivery, digital assessment, and practitioner confidence), and pastoral care for undergraduate students. I aim to be a reflective practitioner, innovating every aspect of my practice; welcoming new projects, and regularly trialing approaches for effectiveness.
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I have experience working in various educational environments, including outdoor settings (UK and abroad), multi-day expeditions, outdoor activities, formal education environments, and online;
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Working with both children and young people in outdoor environments has given me professional insight into various aspects of my discipline (Childhood Studies);
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I am currently leading the Education and Childhood Studies courses at the University of Portsmouth as the Subject Area Leader. This involves line management of 24 academic staff, overseeing multiple postgraduate and undergraduate courses with over 700 students;
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Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (Advance HE);
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Integral to the development of pastoral practices in the undergraduate provision in Education, using digital tools;
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Creation and development of undergraduate employability ePortfolios;
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Delivery of ‘sharing good practice’ sessions school and university-wide;
- Integral to the University’s ‘Study Buddy’ online provision for children in response to Covid-19 and remote working/ homeschooling;
- Leading major curriculum reform in Childhood Studies courses, introducing new modules and new pathways in collaboration with Childhood Studies team members.
Education/Academic qualification
PG Diploma, Education Research, University of Wales Trinity Saint David
Sept 2018 → May 2020
Award Date: 14 Jun 2021
MA, Outdoor Education, University of Wales Trinity Saint David
Award Date: 29 Sept 2017
PG Cert, Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PCET), Cardiff University
Award Date: 30 May 2014
BA (Hons), Outdoor Education, University of Wales Trinity Saint David
19 Sept 2010 → 5 May 2013
Award Date: 12 Jul 2013
External positions
Course Leader, BTEC Outdoor Adventure, Coleg Sir Gâr
Sept 2014 → Jul 2019
Keywords
- H Social Sciences (General)
- L Education (General)
Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals
In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):
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SDG 4 Quality Education
Fingerprint
- 1 Similar Profiles
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Digital tools for personal tutoring for first-year undergraduate students: harnessing digital potential and fast-tracking relationships
Pinnell, J. & Hamilton, S., 29 Nov 2023, In: International Journal of Social Sciences and Educational Studies. 10, 4, p. 62-79 17 p., 5.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile73 Downloads (Pure) -
How professional digital ePortfolios can enhance employability and professional identity
Pinnell, J., 16 Oct 2023, Society for Research into Higher Education.Research output: Other contribution › Blog posts
Open Access -
Professional Digital ePortfolios: perceptions on employability, reflective practice and professional identity for UK childhood studies undergraduate students
Pinnell, J., 1 Dec 2023, (Accepted for publication) The School of Education, Languages and Linguistics: An Introduction to our Research. Watkins, P. & Ringrow, H. (eds.). University of PortsmouthResearch output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter (peer-reviewed) › peer-review
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Meeting pastoral needs
Hamilton, S. & Pinnell, J., 18 May 2022, HERDSA Connect, p. 21 1 p.Research output: Contribution to specialist publication › Article
Open Access -
Covid-19 school closures, working from home and family challenges: a novel solution
Pinnell, J., Sabine, A. J. W. & Carroll-Meehan, C., 8 Nov 2021, British Educational Research Association.Research output: Other contribution
Open Access
Activities
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Critical Issues in Education
Pinnell, J. (Presented paper)
31 Mar 2026Activity: Participating in or organising an event types › Participation in conference
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BaL/HSS AI Symposium
Pinnell, J. (Participant)
21 Jan 2026Activity: Participating in or organising an event types › Participation in workshop, seminar, course
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Paper Presentation: SRHE International Research Conference 2023
Pinnell, J. (Speaker)
4 Dec 2023Activity: Talk or presentation types › Oral presentation
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Presentation of Research, University of Portsmouth Employability Conference 2023
Pinnell, J. (Speaker)
13 Aug 2023Activity: Talk or presentation types › Oral presentation
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University of Portsmouth Annual Teaching & Learning Conference 2023
Pinnell, J. (Presented paper)
8 Jun 2023Activity: Participating in or organising an event types › Participation in conference
Prizes
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BETT Impact Award 2018 (shortlisted, not awarded)
Pinnell, J. (Recipient), 2018
Prize: Prize (including medals and awards)
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BTEC Tutor of the Year (Bronze Award)
Pinnell, J. (Recipient), 2019
Prize: Prize (including medals and awards)
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Excellence in Teaching Pathway Award 2017
Pinnell, J. (Recipient), 2017
Prize: Prize (including medals and awards)
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Outstanding Use of Technology in Teaching & Learning 2017
Pinnell, J. (Recipient), 2017
Prize: Prize (including medals and awards)
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Vice Chancellor's Award
Pinnell, J. (Recipient), Sabine, A. (Recipient) & Carroll-Meehan, C. (Recipient), Sept 2021
Prize: Prize (including medals and awards)